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HEARING PROTECTION
When we are exposed to loud noises over long periods of time, we are at increased risk of
losing our ability to hear. The tiny cells in our inner ear that are most likely to be damaged are
those that allow us to hear noises in the frequency range of the human voice.
Hazardous Noise
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Permanent hearing loss (nerve damage) can occur when the ear is exposed to 85 decibels
(dB) or higher averaged over an 8 hour work day.
If workers standing only a few feet apart have to shout or raise their voices to be heard, it is
an indication that noise levels are above 85 dB.
Symptoms of noise induced hearing loss can include ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and
difficulty understanding conversation (sound distortion).
Hearing loss is usually painless and the symptoms can be hard to identify and may go
unnoticed.
Noise that causes pain in the ear is an indication that the noise level is too high.
Any exposure to the ear at 140dB or higher can cause immediate and permanent hearing
loss.
Sound Levels
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Normal Conversation
Vacuum Cleaner
Push Lawnmower
Table Saw
Chainsaw
Wood Chipper
60 dB
85 dB
95 dB
100 dB
105 dB
110 dB
Hearing Protection
If we can prevent exposure to sound, we can reduce exposure by the use of hearing protection.
To determine the best type of hearing protection for any particular application, it’s best to know
a few things about the work environment, such as:
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The sound levels, which can be measured using a sound level meter
The duration of time spent in noisy environments
The degree to which sound levels vary in the work environment
Per OSHA Regulation 1910.95, Staff Electric Co., Inc. requires workers to wear hearing
protection whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed the Action Level of 85 decibels
8-hour time-weighted average.
Tool Box Safety Talk- Hearing Protection
Nov. 2013
HEARING PROTECTION
Hearing Protection Devices
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Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) – the decibel reduction a wearer can expect from a properly
fitted hearing protection device. However, since the NRR is established in a laboratory with
perfectly fitted plugs, experts recommend that the true rating is generally about 7 decibels
less than indicated. Hearing protectors of the ear muff type are usually closer to the actual
NRR.
Earplugs – have the highest NRR (up to 33 dB) and are inexpensive. Plugs must be
inserted properly!
Earmuffs – from air-tight seal over the ear, NNR up to 30 dB, less effective when using
eyewear.
Proper Use of Hearing Protection
Hearing protection should not cause you discomfort. If it does, ask if there are other options
that you can try.
If foam earplugs are used, they should be inserted correctly into the ear. This is done by
squeezing the earplug so that it’s compressed fully, then opening the ear canal by pulling the
top part of the ear with the opposite hand, and carefully sliding the foam earplug into the ear. It
is important to hold the earplug in place for 15 seconds, so that it expands properly inside the
ear canal.
Earmuffs are easy to use, but may not offer the same level of protection as most earplugs.
Always check the Noise Reduction Rating of the earmuff or earplug to ensure you have the right
level of protection.
Can I wear my personal headphones at work?
Staff Electric prohibits the use of personal head phones such as iPods, ear buds, dre beats, and
similar devices in the workplace for safety reasons.
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Personal headphones make it difficult to hear back up alarms and other warning sounds
and horns on the job site.
Personal headphones are a distraction while operating equipment such as forklifts and
aerial lifts. Equipment operators use auditory cues in the environment to help operate
the equipment safely. Moreover, cords may get tangled in equipment controls.
Personal headphones make it difficult to hear verbal instructions or even warnings in an
emergency.
Finally, most job sites have noise exposures approaching or exceeding recommended
levels where hearing protection is required. Therefore, the worker increases the volume
of the headphones to hear over ambient noise levels, consequently adding to their
hearing exposure. The worker may sustain a hearing loss attributed to headphone use.
Tool Box Safety Talk- Hearing Protection
Nov. 2013
HEARING PROTECTION
The key to effectively protecting your hearing is to properly wear your ear protection. Too often
earplugs are seen just barely pushed in. Ensure you wear your earplugs as they were intended.
Roll up the foam earplugs and make sure you insert them all the way in your ear canal.
It’s for your hearing …… and your protection.
Thought Provoking Questions
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What are the primary sources of noise in your work area?
What actions can be taken to reduce the level of noise in your work area?
If you’re required to wear ear protection, does it fit properly and it is effective?
Tool Box Safety Talk- Hearing Protection
Nov. 2013
HEARING PROTECTION
Completed sign-off sheets need to be emailed or faxed to (262) 790-1044 to Kurt Wildner,
Safety Director.
Topic: Hearing Protection
Foreman:
Date of Training:
Location:
P R I N T Name below:
Tool Box Safety Talk- Hearing Protection
Employee Signature
Nov. 2013